Van Oostrum, Andrikus (Andy), born in Leiden, The Netherlands, on December 27, 1935.
Peacefully passed away March 3, 2021 with his best friends Lloyd and Carol McFadden by his side. Andy is predeceased by his beloved wife Margarette Bright, step son Bob Bright, siblings and nephew. He leaves behind his sister Pieternella (Dieter) of Lathen Germany, and nieces and nephews and their families of Germany (Christiaan, Dieter, Manuela), The Netherlands (Caas, Maruschka, Bart), Belgium (Edwin) and Canada (Jo-Anna).
Andy immigrated to Canada in 1960 after serving in the Royal Dutch Marines. He brought with him a welding trade, and quickly found his niche working at Mattabi Mine in Ignace until its closure in 1988.
With Andy’s love of fishing, camping and hunting it was imminent that he and Margarette would settle in Dinorwic, Ontario. While still working, Andy and Margarette owned and operated Sturgeon River Fishing Camp with Bob as their guide. They hosted family and many foreign visitors, bringing them to the beautiful fishing spots of the region. In 2013 Andy moved to Wabigoon, continuing and enjoying his retirement. He would often drive his friends to appointments or help with errands. He had a passion for fishing, and every summer Mike and Leonard would take him out to fish Melgund and Wabigoon Lake. When he got the call from Mike to go fishing, it was the highlight of his day. Andy could also be found at the cribbage table, sharing time with close friends, having a laugh at the Central or PI, winning football or attendance pools and telling stories. Friday Happy Hour was his favourite day of the week, and one of the things that Andy enjoyed the most. He even called in on the last Friday of his life to give some cribbage tips. He will be sorely missed.
His friends and family, here and abroad, would like to thank the many people who helped Andy with his battle of cancer during these last difficult months. To the Doctors and Nurses at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, to Andy’s beloved friends Lloyd and Carol McFadden who went above and beyond, to his many close friends who helped throughout this time with food, errands and tasks- a heartfelt Thank You!
Donations may be made in Andy’s name to the DRHC Equipment Fund or to a charity of ones choosing to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
To celebrate Andy’s life, there will be a reception in July. Date, time and place to be announced.
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
